Earlier this week, news came out that former UFC fighter Rousimar Palhares dropped out of his scheduled WSOF 11 bout. “Toquinho” was set to face fellow UFC vet Jon Fitch at Welterweight, but the failing health of his mother forced to him to withdraw from the match. With only 2 months before fight night, WSOF pitted newly signed Jake Shields against Fitch as a replacement (via MMA Junkie).
Shields is coming off a one-sided unanimous decision loss to Hector Lombard at UFC 171. The defeat led to his release from the UFC prior to his signing with WSOF. The cut came as a surprise to fans as Shields was 3-0, 1 NC in his previous four fights. The No Contest came after an initial win over Ed Herman was overturned following a failed post-fight drug test.
Fitch entered the WSOF fold after giving up a decision loss to Demian Maia at UFC 156. Since joining the promotion he’s gone 1-1. He gave up a first round submission to Josh Burkman in his promotional debut, but followed that up with a spectacular fight against Marcelo Alfaya at WSOF 6 where he earned a split decision victory.
Fitch and Shields will serve as the co-main event for the July 5 card. In the headlining fight, Justin Gaethje will defend his Lightweight title against challenger Nick Newell.